"We knew, but we didn't really want to believe it," Garcon said Thursday. "We wanted to think it was something minor that could be fixed within the five or six weeks that I was out.

"I can play with it. But, you know, I can't really run full speed. I can't really, you know, explode, be fast ... because it's that painful. I could keep going. I can keep trying. But, you know, I'm out there to make plays, not to just, you know, distract the guys or do whatever. But if coach wants me to go out there, I'm more than willing to do it."

Garcon could have surgery now, but that would end his season. It's the type of injury that an offensive lineman could play through and still be productive. But Garcon's whole game is based on his deep speed and ability to get in and out of cuts. The Redskins have not forced him to play.

"I don't want to be on the sideline," Garcon said. "It is frustrating. But you've just got to think about what's best for it and what's best for your future, because this is long term.

"You don't want to make it worse just for one season. As bad as I want to be out there, it's a tough decision we've got to deal with."

Garcon could take the next two weeks off, then the Redskins have a bye in Week 10. That's the immediate target date for his return. If Garcon still isn't right at that point, it's hard to imagine that he will be at all this season.